Refurbished Tech's Environmental Impact Quantified by ADEME
A new study by France's ADEME agency confirms that refurbished smartphones and computers have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to new devices.
A comprehensive study by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) provides data-driven evidence of the environmental benefits of refurbished technology. The report concludes that refurbished smartphones, tablets, and computers have a considerably lower environmental footprint than the production of brand-new devices.
The study, which employed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, was not sponsored by Back Market, a marketplace for refurbished electronics. Preliminary findings focusing on smartphones were released in 2022, and the full report now offers a broader perspective on the environmental impact of manufacturing computers, tablets, and desktops.
Key findings indicate that choosing refurbished technology significantly reduces raw material consumption, energy usage, and emissions. This offers consumers and businesses a tangible way to decrease their electronic waste and support a circular economy.
ADEME's thorough analysis provides strong substantiation for refurbished tech as a component of a more sustainable future. However, the report does not include an analysis of monitors, keyboards, or mice.